Spotlight on: BTS Panelist rosemary rodriguez
Filmmaker Rosemary Rodriguez is the definition of hustle. With a career that spans gritty indie cinema, hit television, and high-octane streaming hits, her trajectory has been anything but linear — and that’s exactly what makes it so inspiring.
BREAKING IN
Her filmmaking journey began with the Sundance-featured Acts of Worship, a deeply personal and raw story about addiction and homelessness. “It took me seven years to get it made,” she shares. “It’s autobiographical, and making it helped me process my past and dream forward.”
The indie feature garnered two Independent Spirit Award nominations and was praised in The New York Times. But after its success, the industry still wasn’t knocking down her door. “I was heartbroken,” she admits. “I realized how hard it is to break through, especially as a woman in film. But I got into a TV directing fellowship, and that was the turning point.”
AND SHE’S OFF!
Rosemary’s pivot into television became a defining move. She has directed some of the most beloved shows on screen — The Good Wife (18 episodes!), Your Honor with Bryan Cranston, Peacemaker with John Cena, The Walking Dead, Jessica Jones, and Apple’s Truth Be Told starring Octavia Spencer and Kate Hudson.
“Working with Octavia and Kate was a dream. They’re phenomenal actors and even better people. They make any director look good.”
LOVE FOR INDIES
Rodriguez is not just about big names and big sets — she still writes and develops her own work. Her second feature Silver Skies, a heartfelt and humorous look at aging in America, was executive produced by Fred Roos (The Godfather) and Arthur Sarkissian (Rush Hour), and took home multiple festival awards. “I’ve always loved older people,” she says. “This film was about honoring their stories, with truth and humor.”
Her most recent feature Hail Mary starring Jack Huston and Angela Sarafyan, premiered to rave reviews at SXSW where it was hailed (no pun intended) as one of the festival's Best Horror Films. It later opened the DTLA Film Festival, earning Best Director for Rodriguez and Best Actor for Huston.
LIGHTING THE WAY!
Beyond her film and TV work, Rodriguez has a signature style that lights up every set — literally. A longtime fan of Vespertine NYC’s reflective fashion, she’s been spotted wearing their sequined vests, hot pink safety gear, and a standout mohair scarf while directing night shoots. “Fashion is how I express myself as an artist,” she says. “Vespertine lets me look good and stay safe — and let’s be honest, reflective sequins on set? Total energy boost!”
It’s clear that Rodriguez’s directing voice is as bold as her fashion sense — and she’s not slowing down. However, when it comes to industry change post-#MeToo, she’s realistic. “There’s more diversity now, but women still only make up about 13% of directors. That’s not good enough. Until we control the financing, we’re still fighting an uphill battle.”
Still, if anyone is built for that fight, it’s Rosemary Rodriguez. With a career fueled by passion, grit, and purpose, she continues to pave the way — not just for herself, but for the next generation of storytellers.
“I still love being on set. Any set,” she says. “And I’ll keep going. The hustle never ends.”